It’s no secret that top fashion designers loan their creations to celebrities for major red carpet events. It’s a win-win—the stars get exclusive, high-fashion outfits, and the brands receive global exposure.

While some runway looks transition effortlessly to real life, others require custom tailoring to fit the celebrity’s style, comfort, or the occasion. From subtle adjustments to complete overhauls, here are 19 designer runway outfits that looked entirely different when worn by A-list celebrities.

1. Sarah Paulson – Carolina Herrera

Sarah Paulson brought classic elegance to Carolina Herrera’s design, proving that timeless style never fades.

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Celebrities vs. Models: 40+ Outfits That Look Completely Different

2. Rooney Mara – Givenchy

The Givenchy runway piece took on an edgy yet sophisticated twist when Rooney Mara stepped out in it.

3. Natalie Portman – Dior

Portman’s version of this Dior runway creation was refined and tailored, emphasizing her signature graceful aesthetic.

4. Jennifer Lopez – Atelier Versace

J.Lo turned heads in Atelier Versace, making an already stunning runway piece even more iconic with her signature confidence.

5. Penélope Cruz – Ralph & Russo

This Ralph & Russo number got an elevated red carpet moment when Penélope Cruz put her own spin on it.

6. Kristen Wiig – Valentino

Kristen Wiig transformed Valentino’s bold fashion statement into an eye-catching celebrity moment.

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Runway Outfits That Look Totally Different on Celebrities

7. Iman – Prabal Gurung

Supermodel Iman gave Prabal Gurung’s runway look an entirely new dimension with her unmatched poise and presence.

8. Florence Pugh – Dries van Noten

Florence Pugh took this Dries van Noten design and made it a modern, effortlessly chic masterpiece.

9. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley – Versace

Versace is always a red carpet favorite, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley made this look even more striking off the runway.

10. Meryl Streep – Valentino

Meryl Streep’s red carpet adaptation of this Valentino creation brought an air of sophistication and confidence.

11. Joey King – Iris van Herpen

Joey King’s avant-garde style perfectly complemented this Iris van Herpen masterpiece, making it look almost futuristic.

12. Blake Lively – Chanel

Blake Lively effortlessly turned this Chanel runway piece into a show-stopping ensemble for a public appearance.

13. Rihanna – Gucci

Rihanna made sure Gucci’s high-fashion vision translated seamlessly from the catwalk to the streets with her fearless styling.

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Models vs Celebrities outfit looks

14. Krysten Ritter – Julien Macdonald

Krysten Ritter gave Julien Macdonald’s runway look a glamorous red carpet makeover.

15. Lady Gaga – Versace

Lady Gaga took this Versace outfit and made it even more iconic with her bold presence and dramatic styling.

16. Billie Eilish – Chanel

Billie Eilish put her signature oversized twist on a classic Chanel piece, redefining high fashion.

17. Naomi Watts – Giorgio Armani

Naomi Watts exuded understated elegance, making this Giorgio Armani look perfect for her style.

18. Margot Robbie – Vintage Chanel (1994 Collection)

Margot Robbie turned a Chanel vintage dress from 1994 into a modern red carpet moment at the 2020 Oscars.

19. Jenna Ortega – Versace

Jenna Ortega gave this Versace look a fresh, Gen-Z edge, proving that high fashion evolves with every new star.

Final Thoughts: When Runway Meets Reality

These 19 looks prove that fashion doesn’t stop at the runway—it transforms when the right celebrity wears it. While some stars embrace the original designs, others tweak them to reflect their unique style and personality. Either way, the red carpet never disappoints when it comes to high fashion reinvention.